Introduction
Path of Exile is a huge game. It starts with a ten act campaign that serves as tutorial and takes several hours to get through. It's easy to get overwhelmed as a new player, but don't worry, this walkthrough will make your journey through Wraeclast much easier!
This generic walkthrough works for any class, build and league. It covers each zone and highlights their points of interest to ensure you won't miss any important quests. It won't make you a speedrunner, but it'll get you through the game efficiently.
Be aware that this post contains major storyline spoilers! Turn back now if you must!
Act 1
Waypoint: No
Boss: Hillock
Quests: Enemy at the Gate (Gem Reward)
This is where your journey begins! Pick up your starter weapon, kill the zombie and then pick up and socket your starter skill. These vary depending on your class, but are always the same for that class. Now you can change your left-click key bind to "Movement".
Follow the zone to the right and ignore all enemies since they don't give much experience and you need your flask charges for the upcoming boss. Around the middle of the zone is a Large Chest that contains your first Support Gem, link it to your skill and continue until you meet Hillock. Defeating him unlocks all Enemy at the Gate Level 1 Gem quest rewards and the entrance to Lioneye's Watch.
NPCs: Tarkleigh; Nessa; Bestel
This is your first town and a safe zone. Each act has one as a central hub which contains a waypoint, your stashes, a public party board and NPC's. Some of them act as vendors and give you quest rewards after unlocking them.
Lioneye's Watch has three NPCs:
- Tarkleigh sells equipment and quality currency.
- Nessa sells wands, jewelry, flasks, currency and gems after unlocking them. Whenever one of our build guides mentions multiple rewards from the same quest, you can buy them from the gem vendor in that act's town.
- Bestel gives you some quest rewards.
The vendors' stocks refresh every time you level up and may offer you level-appropriate base items. Currency and gems are unlimited, while everything else is only available in limited quantities. Their "Sell Items" function creates currency shards from unneeded items, and makes use of this games' recipe system. This is true for all vendors in Path of Exile.
Disclaimer about NPCs: We only list NPC's that can be found in each town by default. A temporary league may add additional ones that can be interacted with during that league.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Fire Fury (optional)
The Coast is made of multiple platforms along the coastline and has some dangerous ranged enemies. Luckily they aren't really worth killing, so you should run past them and only stop to kill if you get cornered. Fire Fury spawns on a smaller platform along the way and can be skipped, this goes for any boss that's tagged as optional from here on.
If you stick to the coastline, you eventually find the waypoint with two options to go to from there. Enter the Tidal Island first, then come back for the Mud Flats.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Hailrake
Quests: Mercy Mission (Flask Reward)
The Tidal Island is a small, circular zone with a beach on one side and a cliff on the other. While both sides lead to the boss, the beach is normally shorter. The island's boss, Hailrake, resides at a shipwreck and is always surrounded by a few monsters. It's recommended to take them out first while circling around Hailrake to dodge his skills. Defeating Hailrake drops the Medicine Chest, bring it to Nessa to unlock all Mercy Mission Level 4 Gem and Flask quest rewards. Choose the Quicksilver Flask here!
Waypoint: No
Boss: Oozeback Bloom (optional)
Quests: Breaking Some Eggs (Gem Reward)
The Mud Flats are a wide open area inhabited by zombies and rhoas. While the former are too slow to be a threat, the latter can easily outnumber and stunlock you to death, so be careful! You have to find the Ammonite Glyph, Haliotis Glyph and Roseus Glyph from three rhoa nests here, each of which contains a pack of monsters. The nests are visually connected through a stream of water and can also be located by the "!" on your minimap, which is true for many quest targets.
After finding all three glyphs, go to the top right of the map and look for a glyph wall to unlock the entrance to the Submerged Passage and all Breaking Some Eggs Level 4 Gem quest rewards. The Fetid Pool in the top left corner of this zone leads to an optional quest.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Kadavrus the Defiler
Quests: A Dirty Job (2x Passive Respec Points)
The Fetid Pool is an optional area and is normally skipped in a regular playthrough. It's a circular cave with zombies, skeletons and skeletal rhoas as enemies. On the other end of the cave, across from the entrance is Kadavrus the Defiler who summons more skeletal rhoas. You have to kill every single enemy within this zone to finish A Dirty Job (a counter pops up in your chat for the last five enemies). Finishing this quest rewards you with two Passive Respec Points from Tarkleigh.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Brood Princess (optional)
The Submerged Passage is a cave with tunnels connecting larger areas. It is full of small critters that block your path, and sirens that slow your movement. Its Waypoint is right at the start of the zone. A large bridge marks the way to continue your journey. Explore the area before crossing it to find the Flooded Depths for a side quest, then come back and make your way past the bridge to the Ledge.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Dweller of the Deep
Quests: The Dweller of the Deep (Passive Skillpoint)
The Flooded Depths are similar to the previous zone, but house a new enemy type that can blind you. Explore the zone until you find a large, secluded island that's connected by a short bridge. You can figure out if it's the correct island by standing near the water surrounding it. If a large crab attacks you from out of the water, you're on the right path. This island has a few enemies and the Dweller of the Deep, a large crustacean that's easily killed. After doing so, you can claim a Passive Skillpoint from Tarkleigh.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Kuduku, the False God (optional)
The Ledge is a linear zone with no real dangers in it, which makes it a good experience farming spot at this point. Its Waypoint is along the path halfway through, and three small stones next to it mark the direction to continue forward. Kuduku resides in a large open space surrounded by enemies in the second half of this zone. Kill them and move on to the Climb; it's considered bad luck to kill Kuduku.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Ironpoint the Forsaken (optional); The Faun (optional)
The Climb has some wide open parts, but mostly continues the linear layout of the previous zone. The Waypoint is on a small hill close to the start. The goatmen enemies here are dangerous, not just because they can easily outnumber you, but they can also leap onto you and cast ranged fire spells. The first boss, Ironpoint, waits on another elevated platform that leads the way to the next zone. He can pin you down, but is otherwise easy to deal with or run past. Continue on this path until you come across a large pack of goatmen, kill them and continue to the second boss, the Faun, which knocks down all the other goatmen around. Just run past it and enter the Lower Prison.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Chatters (optional)
Quests: The Caged Brute (Gem Reward); The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
The Lower Prison is made up of several rooms. Entering this zone unlocks all Caged Brute Level 8 Gem quest rewards, and conveniently the Waypoint to go claim them is just a few steps from the start. The prison is full of skeletons, necromancers and zombies, which shouldn't be too hard to deal with. Before you continue to the Upper Prison, you should go and finish the Trial of Ascendancy in here. These are short trap gauntlets that unlock the Labyrinth and prepare you for its mechanics. Completing these trials count for all your characters within your league, so it only has to be done once.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Brutus; Sawbones (optional)
Quests: The Caged Brute (Gem Reward)
The Upper Prison is similar to the previous zone. The skeletons are now using spells and bleeding arrows so be careful! Your destination is now the Warden's Quarters. Follow the bloody path inside them until you meet Brutus. His attacks are slow and telegraphed, but they deal a lot of damage and should be avoided. He can use his chain to pull you towards him and follows up with melee attacks if you stay close. If he charges up his slam, get behind him to be safe. Defeating Brutus unlocks all Caged Brute Level 10 Gem quest rewards and the path to Prisoner's Gate.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Ungulath (optional); The Burning Menace (optional)
Quests: The Way Forward
The Prisoner's Gate is segmented into two parts and has its Waypoint right at the start. You should be familiar with most enemy types here, except the Flame Hellions that drop a damaging ground effect on death. The main path leads you to an exit that gets closed by Piety when you get closer. To continue, you need to find a gorge in the lower area of the first part that leads you to an open area. The next gorge can be on either the left or right side here and leads you to the Ship Graveyard.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Fairgraves Eternal
Quests: The Marooned Mariner (Passive Skillpoint)
The Ship Graveyard is a large open area along the coast of Wraeclast. Its Waypoint is close to the entrance, and the small hill leading to Fairgraves' ship is usually not far from it either. However, you first need to find the Allflame within the Ship Graveyard Cave to fight Fairgraves. Its entrance is found in a shipwreck in this zone, which is usually somewhere close to the mountainside. Fairgraves' projectiles hit hard but are very easy to avoid, defeat him to claim a Passive Skillpoint from Bestel. After dealing with this, look for the entrance to the Cavern of Wrath, marked by a large whale skeleton within the mountains.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Stranglecharm (optional)
Quests: The Marooned Mariner
The Ship Graveyard Cave consists of multiple tunnels with many dead ends, and houses enemies that can slow you down to hinder your exploration. Your goal is to find the Allflame held by a Slave Girl at the end. Stranglecharm spawns while you try to pick it up, just run past and go for the exit.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Amarissa, Daughter of Merveil (optional)
Quests: The Siren's Cadence (Gem Reward)
The Cavern of Wraith is similar to the previous caves you encountered in this act, and contains many enemy types that you are now familiar with. Simply entering it unlocks all Siren's Cadence Level 12 Gem quest rewards, with the Waypoint right at the start. Make your way through the tunnels and go for either top right or top left, depending on where this zone expands for you. A Large Chest can be found on the way, but it triggers the Amarissa boss fight and should just be skipped. The entrance to the Cavern of Anger can be found after a sequence of short bridges.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Merveil, the Siren; Ambrosia, Daughter of Merveil (optional)
Quests: The Siren's Cadence
The Cavern of Anger is similar to the previous zone, including another Large Chest that triggers an optional bossfight and the location of your destination. New are the Unstable Larvae, which are swarms of small red enemies that explode on contact. Avoid standing close to them while navigating through the tunnels until you find Merveil's Lair, the arena for your first act bossfight!
Merveil mainly deals Cold damage, so having some Cold Resistance is recommended. She teleports around the arena and uses Cold spells, which can be avoided by simply moving to the side. Stay away from or quickly deal with the golden statues she spawns. After depleting her health bar, the second phase starts. The spells and summons change, but it works similarly to the first phase. Avoid standing within her spells and you'll be fine. Defeating her opens your path to the second act!
Act 2
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Calaf, Headstaver (optional)
The Southern Forest is a dense linear zone for quick experience with its Waypoint right at the start. While the big apes can summon smaller apes from the trees, they don't give experience. Simply run through the zone, let enemies follow you, and kill them once they've accumulated in a large pack. This strategy should be used for the majority of acts, provided you have a good skill to clear them with. Towards the end of this zone there's a small bandit camp with Calaf, Headstaver as a boss. Skip him by running straight to the Forest Encampment.
NPCs: Greust; Yeena; Silk; Helena; Eramir
The Forest Encampment is the town in Act 2 and has five NPCs.
- Greust sells equipment and quality currency and lets you enter PVP matches.
- Yeena sells wands, jewelry, flasks, currency and gems after unlocking them.
- Silk gives you some quest rewards.
- Helena appears after the Intruders in Black quest and lets you choose a hideout after unlocking them.
- Eramir gives you two Passive Skillpoints and The Apex if you kill all three bandit lords during this act.
You have two options to go from here: The Riverways to the left and the Old Fields to the right. Choose the Old Fields first for a more natural progression path.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Gneiss (optional)
The Old Fields is a short linear zone. Following the main path leads you to the next zone, which is true for many zones from here on out. Around halfway along this path you encounter Gneiss, who's not worth killing, just like the other Ruined Titan enemies here. A short side zone called the Den is spawned in a random spot within this zone. If you haven't found a second Quicksilver Flask by now, look for it and clear it.
Einhar can be encountered for the first time here. Check out our Bestiary Guide to learn more about his mechanics.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Great White Beast
Quests: The Great White Beast (Flask Reward)
The Den is an optional cave made up of a few tunnels. It's full of animal-type enemies, most notably Cave Beasts that can hurt quite a bit and should be approached with caution. At the end you find The Great White Beast, a bigger version of the Cave Beasts. After killing it you can claim your reward for the Great White Beast quest from Yeena. While there's multiple choices, go with the Quicksilver Flask to have two to alternate between.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Bravalo (optional)
The Crossroads is a large zone that connects four zones in a cross-shape, as the name suggests. Coming from the Old Fields, following the path leads you to the Waypoint, which also acts as central point for this zone. Each direction leads you to a different zone from here, finish them in this order:
- The Chamber of Sins to the north
- The Broken Bridge to the east
- The Fellshrine Ruins to the south and only if you need to finish your Trials of Ascendancy.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Black Death (optional)
The Chamber of Sins is an indoor zone with multiple rooms and levels. You can think of Level 1 as a rhombus (Bonus Points if you knew what a rhombus was WITHOUT googling it!) with a middle main room housing the Waypoint, and big rooms at each corner. The western corner room is always where you start from, while the stairs down to Level 2 are in another randomly chosen corner room. The remaining corner rooms always have a pack of magic monsters, which makes this a good zone to farm experience in. The monsters are mostly slow and don't hit too hard, however watch out for the Chaos Damage clouds that the zombies release on death.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Fidelitas, the Mourning
Quests: Intruders in Black (Gem Reward); The Root of the Problem; The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
The second level of Chamber of Sins looks similar, but has a very different layout than the first level. There's a Trial of Ascendancy that you need to finish if you haven't done so yet within your current league, and a dead end with a boss fight. From the entrance, the zone can expand to either the left or right, which determines where these points of interest will likely spawn:
- If Left - the Trial is in the lower part and boss is in the upper part.
- If Right - the Trial is in the upper part while the boss can be in either the upper or lower part.
The way to the boss always starts with a small room leading into a long, narrow path where Piety eventually shouts at you. At the end awaits Fidelitas. This boss deals lots of Physical and Lightning Damage, but circle around and it's not much of a threat. After killing Fidelitas, click on the Strange Device and pick up the Baleful Gem. This unlocks all Intruders in Black Level 16 Gem quest rewards. Now go back to the Crossroads Waypoint.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Kraityn
Quests: Deal with the Bandits
The Broken Bridge is a large, open field full of bandits with its Waypoint along the main path. Following this path leads you to the namesake bridge, which always spawns on the right side. On the bridge you can find Kraityn's camp, one of the three bandits. Talking to him gives you the option to either side with or fight him. Virtually no build sides with Kraityn currently, so just go ahead and kill him. He deals Physical Damage, his archers can stack up heavy Fire Damage if you stand still for too long. Go back to the Crossroads Waypoint once the deed is complete.
Warning: If you're in a party with someone who chooses differently, you'll fight each other!
Waypoint: No
Boss: Soulmourn (optional)
The Fellshrine Ruins is a large area that's segmented by ruin gates. You only have to enter this zone once each league to reach the Crypt for its Trial of Ascendancy. The enemies in here are mostly slow undead. Following the main path leads you to a church that houses the entrance to the Crypt.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
The Crypt is a dungeon made up of multiple rooms across two levels. If you're only here for the Trial of Ascendancy, just look for that and skip the second level entirely. The Waypoint is right at the start, should you ever want to come back. The enemies in here are mostly spiders and skeletons, some of which cast spells of all three elements. This is a good indication that you need 75% to all Elemental Resistances as soon as possible.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Archbishop Geofri the Abashed (optional)
Quests: Through Sacred Ground (2x Passive Respec Points)
The second level of the Crypt is similar to the first one. Aside from similar enemies, all you can find here is a large platform with Archbishop Geofri, and an Altar that drops the Golden Hand upon interacting with it. Bringing this item to Yeena unlocks the Through Sacred Ground Jewel quest rewards and gets you two Passive Respec Points.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Targa, Beast Poacher (optional)
The Riverways is a massive zone that's divided into multiple islands. Having a movement skill that can cross gaps is highly recommended here as it allows you to follow the main path and surpass the broken bridges. Otherwise you have to check for other paths along the islands to move around. The Waypoint spawns somewhere along the main path, with a side path across from it that leads to the Wetlands. For now continue on the main path until you find the Western Forest.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Alira; Captain Arteri
Quests: Deal with the Bandits; The Way Forward (Passive Skillpoint)
The Western Forest is another large zone within the forest parts of this act. Watch out for the violet Martyr enemies here as they explode on impact and deal massive damage! Following the main path gets you the Waypoint and eventually ends at a small Ebony Legion post. Defeat Captain Arteri there to get the Thaumetic Emblem. Pick it up and socket it in the nearby wall to unlock the path that was previously closed by Piety. Afterwards you can claim a Passive Skillpoint from Bestel in Lioneye's Watch.
Next you should go and deal with Alira. The location of her camp is marked by a torch next to a stone path along the main path. Talking to her gives you the option to either side with or fight her. Her rewards aren't terrible, so check your build guide to see what you should do. If you fight her, watch out for her corpse explosions! The corpses light up three times before exploding, so position yourself far away from them any time Alira creates new corpses.
Warning: If you're in a party with someone and they choose differently, you'll fight each other!
Your last stop in this zone are the Weaver's Chambers, which are always located opposite Alira's camp. The forest gets covered in cobwebs as you get closer to the entrance and the enemies are mostly spiders, slowly preparing you for what's about to come.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Weaver
Quests: Sharp and Cruel (Gem Reward); The Root of the Problem
The Weaver's Chambers is a cave full of spiders. If you're arachnophobic you'll hate this zone, but unfortunately it's needed for progression. There's spiders crawling on the ground, more spiders coming down from the ceiling, and some of them can even jump onto you! Run through the cave and kill anything that blocks your away until you find the entrance to the Weaver's Lair.
Inside lies the Weaver, a large, heavy hitting spider. She can call smaller spiders from the ceiling during the fight, so having a good clearing ability and damage is recommended to avoid getting outnumbered. At 50% health, the Weaver disappears for a moment and leaves you to fight lots of smaller spiders. After defeating the Weaver, she drops Maligaro's Spike, which is needed for the Root of the Problem quest and unlocks all Sharp and Cruel Level 18 Gem quest rewards from Silk. Now go back to the Riverways Waypoint and take the side path to the Wetlands.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Oak
Quests: Deal with the Bandits; The Root of the Problem
The Wetlands is a large, circular area that's reached through a side path across the Riverways Waypoint. A stream of water on the ground leads you to Oak's camp, which is located either in the center or southwestern part. Talking to him gives you the option to either side with or fight him. It's very rare for builds to side with Oak, but check your build guide before assassinating him. He deals Physical Damage and can regenerate his Life, this is a good benchmark to see if you need to improve your damage.
Warning: If you're in a party with someone and they choose differently, you'll fight each other!
After dealing with Oak go back to either the bandit you sided with, or visit Eramir in town if you defeated all three. Claim your rewards for the Deal with the Bandits quest and get The Apex, a key progression item. If you want to change your bandit rewards, you can do so through a vendor recipe at any time.
Go back to the Wetlands to find the Vaal Ruins. It's located somewhere along the mountains to the left, and always has a Waypoint next to it. If you've followed this guide, you can remove the roots blocking the path and enter the Vaal Ruins.
Waypoint: No
The Vaal Ruins are a huge maze and serve as your introduction to the ancient Vaal civilization. Some of the enemy types here can deal significant ranged damage, so keep moving to stay alive! Make your way through the ruins until you find a large room with the Ancient Seal in its center. Touch it to bring darkness upon Act 2. Past the seal, look for a room full of stairs that lead you to the exit.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Seleslatha (optional)
The Northern Forest is a linear zone with its Waypoint close to the start along the river. The layout and monster density make it a good farming spot for experience. If you're new to the game and don't have a hideout yet, look out for the Dread Thicket entrance spawning randomly on the left side,. Otherwise just continue to the Caverns.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Aidan the Frenzied; Nadia the Soothing
Quests: Safe and Sound
Hideout: Lush Hideout
The Dread Thicket is a small cave that only needs to be entered for the Safe and Sound quest if you don't have a hideout yet. Follow along until you find the Lush Hideout. Inside, Helena tasks you with clearing the hideout of all monsters, which includes the bosses Aidan and Nadia. They slow you while speeding up nearby enemies, it's recommended to first kill everything else so that you won't get overwhelmed. After you're done, go back to Helena to claim and choose the hideout. You can now enter it through the bottom right icon from any Waypoint. At this point it's mostly needed to use the Crafting Bench after unlocking recipes during your Act progression.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Q'uru (optional)
Recipe Altar: Movement Speed
The Caverns start out as a long, linear cave full of enemy types from the first two acts. Cross the bridge and then stick to the wall to avoid any dead ends. Eventually you reach the base of a pyramid together with a Waypoint and your first Recipe Altar. You will find many of these altars throughout your journey, each of them unlocking a crafting option for your Crafting Bench in your Hideout.
Entering the pyramid requires The Apex from the Deal with the Bandits quest. Inside you can find Vaal type enemies and rooms similar to the Vaal Ruins. Look for a big room with a staircase leading into this acts last zone, the Ancient Pyramid.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Vaal Oversoul
Quests: Shadow of the Vaal
Recipe Altar: Spell Damage
The Ancient Pyramid has three levels, with a larger variety of Vaal type enemies spawning. The monster density isn't terrible if you want to farm a bit before the boss fight. On the third level, the stairs lead into the boss arena called Pyramid Apex. Nothing happens at first, so you can take your time to prepare and get the Recipe Altar at the bottom of the arena.
Once you interact with the Dark Altar in the middle of the arena, the Vaal Oversoul fight begins. After its very long spawning animation, it always summons additional enemies followed by burrowing in the ground. This move can be repeated during the fight. Aside from that, it has four additional moves which are mostly slow and easily avoided. The boss can shoot icy projectiles in an arc that leave a ground effect to chill and damage you. It may also start an earthquake that makes rocks fall down on you. This move can be dangerous if you stand still, so keep moving until it's over. The other moves depend on your distance to the Vaal Oversoul. At close range it charges up a slam towards your position that kills you. Luckily it has no tracking, so you can simply just move to the other side of the boss. If you're distant it shoots three lasers in succession that damage and shock you. This is its fastest move and can be dangerous, but if you move sideways from the lasers you'll be fine. After defeating the Vaal Oversoul, you can either wait out the long animation until the exit opens, or log out and log back in to take the Waypoint to the City of Sarn.
Act 3
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Guard Captain
Quests: Lost in Love
The City of Sarn is a short zone within the slums of this act's main city, with its Waypoint right at the start. Continue left while staying by the wall until you find some Blackguards surrounding Clarissa, with the Guard Captain as boss. Defeat them and talk to Clarissa, then go down the stairs to the docks area and enter the Sarn Encampment.
NPCs: Hargan; Clarissa; Maramoa; Grigor
The Sarn Encampment is the town in Act 3. Its four NPCs can be found after a long walk around the ramparts and then down the stairs.
- Hargan sells equipment and quality currency.
- Clarissa sells wands, jewelry, flasks, currency and gems after unlocking them.
- Maramoa and Grigor give you some quest rewards.
Upstairs from the NPC area is the entrance to the Slums to continue your journey with two additional points of interest. Going up another case of stairs across the ones you came from leads you to the Sarn Arena, a PvP arena for characters up to Level 40. Right next to the stairs you can find the Aspirant's Plaza, which needs to be unlocked by completing the first six Trials of Ascendancy. This plaza is your hub to enter the Labyrinth and has a Waypoint. Each Labyrinth has a Recipe Altar within their first Aspirants Trial. Check out our Labyrinth Guide to learn more about it.
Elemental Resistances start to really matter from here on, so try to cap them at 75% while progressing through this act. Your newly unlocked hideout and its Crafting Bench can help you achieve this without much investment.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Perpetus (optional)
The Slums are a large zone made up of multiple elevated platforms and its ground level. On the starting platform, one of the directions always leads to a dead end. The entrance to the Sewers is close to the start, but requires finishing the Lost in Love quest first before you can enter. For that you have to get to the Crematorium. Following the wall on the ground levels normally gets you there, but sometimes you also have to traverse a section of elevated platforms on the way.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Piety; Hatebeat (optional)
Quests: Lost in Love (Gem Reward); The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Defences
The Crematorium has it's Waypoint at the start and is made of multiple rooms full of enemies that deal Fire Damage. There's a Trial of Ascendancy here that you should finish first, then look for a large room with Piety waiting at the end. Pick up the Recipe Altar while she's talking, then prepare for battle. She uses Lightning Spells that can easily be dodged and is supported by a few Blackguards. At 50% life, she disappears and you can interact with Tolman to pick up Tolman's Bracelet to unlock all Love in Lost Level 24 Gem quest rewards at Maramoa and get the Sewer Keys from Clarissa. Now you can continue your journey through the Sewers in the Slums.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Victario's Secrets (Passive Skillpoint & 2x Passive Respec Points); Fiery Dust
Recipe Altar: Physical Damage
Hideout: Undercity Hideout
The Sewers are multiple small rooms connected through narrow pipes. There are three large rooms, each having a Stash that contain the Bust of Gaius Sentari, Bust of Hector Titucius and Bust of Marceus Lioneye for the Victario's Secrets quest. The first room with a Bust can be found close to the start. A long pipe leads to the Waypoint, along with the Undying Blockage which can't be interacted with at this point. Beyond the Waypoint is another room with a Bust. If there was no small room between this room and the Waypoint, the third Bust is to the right. Otherwise it's on the left together with the Undercity Hideout and the exit to the Marketplace. Collecting all three Busts lets you pick up a Passive Skillpoint and two Passive Respec Points from Hargan. Once you've acquired the Infernal Talc later in this act, you can burn down the Undying Blockage to find a Recipe Altar and the Ebony Barracks.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Marceus the Defaced (optional)
Quests: A Swig of Hope
The Marketplace is a large area divided into two sections, with buildings taking up most of the space. Starting from the Sewers exit, follow a wall until you find an alleyway with lots of statues. Take this way, run past Marceus the Defaced and grab the Waypoint. Next to the Waypoint are the Catacombs, which you only need to enter if you haven't finished the Trial of Ascendancy yet. Past the Waypoint is the second large area. An Ornate Chest contains the Decanter Spiritus for A Swig of Hope, however this quest isn't really worth doing. Instead, follow a wall until you find the Battlefront.
Waypoint: No
Quests: The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Elemental Damage with Attacks
The Catacombs is an optional area and for the Trial of Ascendancy. The area is similar to the Crypt, but houses slightly different enemies and only has one level. A Recipe Altar is found within the Trial.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Captain Aurelianus (optional)
Quests: The Ribbon Spool
The Battlefront is a large area with multiple platforms, mostly full of Blackguards. Going around the initial barricades leads you to the first platform, which a Waypoint in its lower part. Continue this path to get the Ribbon Spool from the Blackguard Chest, an item needed to progress. If you continue further in this direction you find a barrier blocking the path and Captain Aurelianus. Instead of going there, go to the ground level upwards to find the Docks. After finishing your business there, come back to this zone and head towards the upper part to find another platform housing the Solaris Temple.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Shipyard Terror (optional)
Quests: Fiery Dust; A Swig of Hope
The Docks have a main part that spreads into multiple docks to explore. Its high monster density and layout make it a great zone to farm experience in. The Waypoint is at the end of a random dock together with Captain Fairgraves. Instead of fighting, you can interact with him to finish the optional A Swig of Hope quest after gathering both items for it. Another random dock has a Supply Container with the progression item Thaumetic Sulphite with a pack of magic monsters. After obtaining it, go to the Solaris Temple.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Voltaic Seal (optional); The Infernal Seal (optional)
The Solaris Temple has two levels. The first level is linear, with a side path spawning very rarely. The Waypoint is in a large room. The exit is at the end, beyond the two optional bosses.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Goddess of Purity (optional)
Quests: The Gemling Queen; The Ribbon Spool; Fiery Dust
Recipe Altar: Fire Damage
The second level of the Solaris Temple is more open and spreads into multiple directions. Following the carpet generally leads you to your goal, but not always. Four torches along the carpet mark your destination, with the Waypoint ahead and Lady Dialla at the end of the room. With the Ribbon Spool and Thaumetic Sulphite in your inventory, finish two quests at once and obtain the Infernal Talc, which burns away the Undying Blockage in the Sewers. Before you head there, look for the Eternal Laboratory on the same platform as Lady Dialla to get the Recipe Altar inside.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: General Gravicius
Quests: Sever the Right Hand (Gem Reward)
The Ebony Barracks is another zone with multiple platforms full of Blackguards. Everything important is in the upper left part; the rest can be ignored. The Waypoint is close to the starting point, and continuing further gets you to General Gravicius' camp. While you don't need to fight him for progression, defeating him unlocks all Sever the Right Hand Level 28 Gem quest rewards. He has a few nasty Fire Spells and is surrounded by Blackguards, so be on your toes while fighting him! On the platform past Gravicius you can find your next destination, the Lunaris Temple. After finishing it, return to this zone and head up from the Waypoint to find the Imperial Gardens.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Fleshrend, Grand Inquisitor (optional); Kole (optional)
The Lunaris Temple has two levels like its Solaris counterpart. The first level is once again linear, and following the carpet leads you to the next level. Some of the enemies in here can detonate corpses, just like Alira in the second act. As long as you don't stand on corpses for too long, you'll survive. The first boss you meet is Fleshrend, who isn't worth your time. Two rooms behind him you can find Kole together with enemies that slow you down. This encounter is very dangerous at close range and should also be skipped. The Waypoint can be found at the end, next to the stairs descending into the second level.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Piety; Spinecrack (optional)
Quests: Piety's Pets (Passive Skillpoint); The Sceptre of God
Recipe Altar: Lightning Damage
The second level is very large and spreads over multiple platforms. The ground platform surrounding the start has two staircases leading onto the second platform at different locations. This platform is roughly half the size of the previous one and has a staircase leading onto the third platform, which once again is half the size and has a staircase to continue. After the third platform, the zone changes into a linear layout leading to Piety. A single cart marks the way to continue; it's never the side with two carts! Past the gates you get into an area full of cages. The gates to the next part are in the general direction the zone expanded to, and lead to a half-circular area. Pass one more gate at its end and go up the stairs to find Piety's Arena.
Piety uses the same spells as in the Crematorium encounter, but now has portals that let her transform into different forms. Her Fire Form uses melee attacks that stack a debuff, making you take more damage. Her Ice Form shoots seven arrows in an arc that leave a chilling ground effect upon hit. Mobility and using the environment to your advantage help with both forms. Defeating her gives you the Tower Key and lets you get a Passive Skillpoint from Grigor. Before you head to the Imperial Gardens, get the Recipe Altar in the back of the arena.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Thistlesage (optional); The Conqueror Wurm (optional)
Quests: Sceptre of God; A Swig of Hope; The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: All Attributes
The Imperial Gardens is a very large area with multiple destinations in different directions. Following the main path leads you to the Waypoint. From here, the Library is to the left if you want to unlock gems through the A Fixture of Fate quest. The upper part has the last Trial of Ascendancy to unlock Aspirants Plaza in the Sarn Encampment, along with a Recipe Altar. It's recommended to finish this asap as the Ascendancies are very strong buffs to your character! The Chitus' Plum for the A Swig of Hope quest can be found in a random part, however this can be skipped. After finishing all of that, go to the Scepte of God in the upper right part to continue your journey.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Tyrannursus Maximum (optional)
Quests: A Fixture of Fate
NPC: Siosa
The Library is an optional area made of many rooms and can be divided into two parts. Rush through until a path through some bookshelves leads you to Siosa and the Waypoint. Siosa tasks you to find four Golden Page in the Archives. Behind that room starts the second part, which has many smaller rooms as dead ends. One of these rooms is rectangular shaped and has a Loose Candle that reveals the Archives.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Trinian, Intellectus Prime (optional)
Quests: A Fixture of Fate (Gem Reward)
The Archives continue the previous layout as a maze. The four Golden Page can be found from Book Stands within four small dead end rooms. After you've collected them, go back to Siosa to unlock all A Fixture of Fate Level 31 Gem quest rewards. You can also buy almost all regular gems from him now, but make sure you have the currency in your inventory to do so. With that done, go back to the Imperial Gardens Waypoint and enter the Sceptre of God.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Caliga, Imperatrix (optional)
The Sceptre of God has three floors of rooms in a circular shape. The stairs leading to the next floor are always in one of the corner rooms. The Waypoint is located in a random corner room on the third floor.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Paradisae Venenum (optional); Dominus + 6 Sub-Bosses
Quests: Sceptre of God
The Upper Sceptre of God continues the layout and placement of stairs leading to the next floor. The third floor has the Tower Rooftop entrance at the upper part instead of a corner room. If it's your first time playing, you can also free the Scion here to unlock her as playable class. The final bossfight of this act has four stages and starts once you get close to Dominus at the upper end of the arena.
At first you have to fight Imperator Stantinus Bitterblade, Draconarius Wilhelm Flamebrand and Compulsor Octavia Sparkfist all at once. Most of them are dangerous at close range, so keep your distance and take them out one by one. After they're defeated, Alal the Terrifying spawns. Try to kill it quickly, as Kali the Crazed spawns soon after and buffs the speed of nearby enemies. Try to get this one down quickly as well before Orcus the Reaver spawns. He slows you down when he's close, so you really don't want to fight all three at once.
After defeating all of them, the actual Dominus fight begins. He can teleport around the arena and has two damaging moves. His main move is a stream of Lightning Projectiles, which can deal heavy damage and create a shocking ground that you shouldn't stand on. If you're close to him, he may shout "The Touch of God!" followed by an AoE slam. Avoid this by running far away once you hear this voice line! He may also place totems, creating a chilling beam between them. He can also spawn minions and mark you, making them rush at you and explode.
Once his health reaches zero, he teleports to the south-east corner and the last phase begins. He only summons monsters and uses two melee skills at close range, one of which applies two stacks of Corrupted Blood. If you go far away, he either shoots a projectile, leap towards you or grabs you with a spell to place you in front of him. While those aren't bad to deal with, don't go far away while it's raining blood! Dominus casts a shield bubble around himself that keeps you safe, and standing outside applies stacks of Corrupted Blood that kill you slowly. Stay close to Dominus and always move to his back to dodge everything. After defeating him, Lady Dialla appears and the path to Act 4 opens up.
Act 4
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Hundred Foot Shadow (optional)
The Aqueduct is a two-lane linear zone with its Waypoint right at the start. Both lanes are connected through bridges at random spots and sometimes need to be alternated between to continue. Each lane can have short side paths containing a pack of magic monsters. Around halfway through the zone there's a bigger bridge with the Hundred Foot Shadow spawning, run past it and continue your way. The entrance to Highgate is always at the end of the left lane.
NPCs: Kira; Petarus & Vanja; Tasuni; Oyun; Lady Dialla
Highgate is the town in Act 4. It has its waypoint in the middle, three connected zones, and five NPCs:
- Kira sells equipment and quality currency
- Petarus & Vanja sell wands, jewelry, flasks, currency and gems after unlocking them.
- Tasuni is located to the right of the Waypoint and trades in Divination Cards.
- Oyun & Lady Dialla are upstairs and give you quest rewards.
The first area to enter is the Dried Lake to the left. After finishing it, you can unlock the Mines in the upper part. After defeating the final boss of Act 4, you can enter the Ascent to the right of Oyun & Lady Dialla.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Voll, Emperor of Purity; Nightwane (optional)
Quests: Breaking the Seal (Gem Reward)
Recipe Altar: Attack, Cast and Warcry Speed
The Dried Lake is a large open area with good monster density to farm experience in. Look for Voll's camp in either of the corners or the middle of the zone and defeat him. Avoid his slam and tackle skills and he shouldn't be much of a problem. He drops Deshret's Banner, which is needed to open the Mines in Highgate and unlock all Breaking the Seal Level 34 Gem quest rewards. Before you go there, get the Recipe Altar in Voll's camp.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Pikerivet (optional)
Recipe Altar: Socket Colours
The Mines have two levels, with the first being fairly linear. There's a few sidepaths that usually result in dead ends. The entrance to the second level and a Recipe Altar are in the upper left part.
Niko can be encountered for the first time here.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Hammerstorm (optional); Voidscream (optional)
Quests: An Indomitable Spirit (Passive Skillpoint & 2x Passive Respec Points)
The second level of the Mines is more cluttered, but still linear. The main path goes in a U-shape from the start, however this can be on either ends of the U. Along the path are side rooms and platforms, and one of them contains Deshret's Spirit. Free it and you can claim a Passive Skillpoint and two Passive Respec Points from Tasuni. The entrance to the Crystal Veins is in the upper left or right part, depending on which direction your zone expanded to.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Burning Man (optional)
Quests: The Eternal Nightmare (Gem Reward)
Recipe Altar: Cold Damage
Hideout: Excavated Hideout
The Crystal Veins continue the linear layout made of narrow pathways. The Excavated Hideout can be unlocked here. The Burning Man spawns on a platform with small stairs, skip him or at least be prepared to run after defeating him as his death triggers a large explosion! Once again your destination can be found in the upper part, together with the Waypoint and a Recipe Altar.
Lady Dialla waits in front of the Belly of the Beast. To open the entrance you first need to defeat Kaom and Daresso in their respective zones, but luckily their portals are right next to her. While the order you do these in doesn't matter, we go from left to right here. After opening up the Belly of the Beast, talk to Lady Dialla to unlock The Eternal Nightmare Level 38 Gem quest rewards.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Torchoak Grove (optional); Triskeriaki (optional)
Kaom's Dream is set within a volcanic region. To traverse this zone quickly, go up the stairs in the beginning then head right and cross the bridge. Continue this linear path until you reach the platform above the start. Go up from here until you traverse a long bridge leading to Kaom's Stronghold.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: King Kaom
Quests: The King of Fury
Recipe Altar: Socket Links - 2 to 4 linked Sockets
Kaom's Stronghold continues the volcanic theme and has its Waypoint and a Recipe Altar right at the start. The path of Kaom's arena is pretty linear and usually starts at the left side. Go all the way to the right, up the stairs and back to the left, then up all the way to the large bridge leading into the Caldera of the King. In there awaits King Kaom, who has a pretty basic melee move set and can leap towards you. During the fight, fireballs fall into the arena from the sides and Kaom spawns enemies at different Life Thresholds. Reposition yourself frequently and it shouldn't be a problem to defeat him. He drops The Eye of Fury upon death, one of the pieces needed to open up the Belly of the Beast. Next go for Daresso's Dream.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Barkhul; Eyepecker (optional); Steelchaw (optional)
Daresso's Dream is set within the barracks of an arena. Narrow paths connect the bigger areas of this zone. Occasionally you'll stumble upon small, squared arenas that require you to kill a few waves of monsters before you can continue. Barkhul's arena is in the upper part, you have to defeat him and all other monsters in the arena before you can continue to the Grand Arena.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Dimachaeri Cassius; Mevion; Rudiarius Felix; Daresso, King of Swords
Quests: The King of Desire (Gem Reward)
Recipe Altar: Socket Numbers - 2 to 4 Sockets
The Grand Arena is made of passageways leading into large arenas with its Waypoint and a Recipe Altar right at the start. They sometimes lead to multiple arenas, always go with the left-most choice to quickly get to the first boss arena. In here you'll have to fight Dimachaeri Cassius, Mevion and Rudiarius Felix at once to continue. Luckily they're pretty weak, if you keep moving you shouldn't have an issue with them.
Beyond them is one last passageway leading to the Ring of Blades where Daresso awaits you. He can chill you with his attacks and enrage for a duration, giving him lots of attack speed. Be careful when he spawns multiple clones in a small circle, which attack the center shortly after. The real danger are the swords spawning in random spots around the arena. Just don't stand in both of those skills and you'll win. He goes into a resting phase every time he loses 25% health, and during the last 25% he's permanently enraged. On death, Daresso drops The Eye of Desire. With both eyes in your inventory, go back to Lady Dialla in the Crystal Veins, open up the Belly of the Beast, and unlock all The Eternal Nightmare Level 38 Gem quest rewards.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Bone Queen (optional)
The Belly of the Beast is a linear zone leading you through the beast's bowels within two levels. Some of the enemies here can apply Bleed or detonate corpses, so be cautious! The entrance to the next level can be found in the upper part of this zone.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Piety, the Abomination
Quests: The Eternal Nightmare
Recipe Altar: Elemental Resistances
The second level is similar to the first. You want to reach the Bowels of the Beast in the upper left part where Piety awaits you. She has changed a bit since your last encounter and now deals heavy Physical and Lightning Damage within close and medium range attacks. Sometimes she casts a deadly rotating beam that deals massive damage and applies Corrupted Blood. Circle around her during this phase to avoid getting hit. Additional enemies spawn into the fight that target you with a delayed ground spell. After defeating her, talk to Piety to unlock the path to the Harvest and get the Recipe Altar on the way.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Maligaro, the Inquisitor; Shavronne of Umbra; Doedre Darktongue; Malachai, the Nightmare
Quests: Corpus Malachus; The Eternal Nightmare
NPC: Piety
The Harvest continues the tileset and enemy types, but has a very straightforward layout. It starts with an L-shaped section leading you to the Waypoint. From here, both sides lead into a circular section with the right side having one boss room while the left side has two. Within those you can find Maligaro, Shavronne and Doedre in a random order, each of them drops one of Malachai's organs that are needed to progress.
- Maligaro is the easiest fight, just stay out of his ground spells and corpse explosions. He drops Malachai's Heart upon defeat.
- Shavronne is a bit trickier. She often casts delayed Lightning Spells around the arena, warps away and attacks you with a barrage of spells. Try to stay close and pick up Malachai's Entrails after defeating her.
- Doedre is by far the worst. While she only has a Physical Melee and projectile attack, the arena is covered in circles which each apply a curse. The purple circle applies Temporal Chains to slow you down, the green circle applies Enfeeble to lower your damage while the red circle applies Vulnerability to increase the Physical Damage you take. The circles partially overlap and can potentially apply all three curses within those spots. To make it worse, Doedre removes any curse you apply to her and gains a damage buff. If you have good range, stay within the red circle and dodge her projectiles, or stay very close to her and keep circling until she's dead. On death she drops Malachai's Lungs.
After having collected all three organs, speak with Piety at the Waypoint to open up the Black Core for the final boss fight of Act 4.
At first there's only Piety and you, but Malachai joins after some dialogue. This fight has two main phases, with each of them having multiple sub phases. He has a fairly large move set that remains throughout every phase. The most basic moves are his melee attack, monster summons and teleport. If you're at a distance he can throw heavy projectiles that leave a damaging ground effect, or channel tentacles for 2s. Don't stand in those! He also places an exploding ground spell or orbs that split into three projectiles around the arena, which are easy to avoid. His last two moves are the worst. First, he submerges into the ground, then emerges with an explosion at your position. Second is his AoE slam after raising his arm for a second. Both are telegraphed and should be avoided at all costs!
The first phase takes place in the initial arena. Malachai becomes invulnerable at 75% and 50% Life, during which you have to attack Piety in order to continue. Once she's dead, Malachai submerges and you can descend into the second arena. During the second phase he once again becomes invulnerable at 75%, 50% and 25% Life, but this time you need to destroy the Hearts of the Beast one by one. At 25% Life there also is a large Ring of Fire moving around the arena that you should avoid. After defeating him, head to Highgate and enter the Ascent.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The White Death (optional)
Recipe Altar: Ailment, Stun and Curse Mitigation
The Ascent is a snowy area divided into three short parts. Within the first part, go left until you traverse a long bridge. Now look for a narrow path up the hill in the second part, a Recipe Altar marks the way. In the third part, find the Resonator and use its Lever to open the Oriath Portal.
Act 5
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Overseer Krow
Quests: Return to Oriath
The Slave Pens lead you through the cages of Oriath's slave district and has it's Waypoint right at the start. While there are some side paths, generally going to the right end, making a turn downwards, and going towards the left gets you to Overseer Krow. Defeat him to make the ladder to the Overseer's Tower drop down and claim your Return to Oriath quest reward from Lani.
NPCs: Utula; Lani; Vilenta; Bannon
Overseer's Tower is the town in Act 5 with three NPCs:
- Utula sells equipment and quality currency.
- Lani sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Vilenta gives you some quest rewards.
After defeating Innocence, Utula disappears and Bannon takes over his role as vendor.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Justicar Casticus
Quests: In Service to Science (Passive Skillpoint); The Key to Freedom (Flask Reward)
The Control Blocks continue the indoor layout with mostly narrow rooms. Some of them have a ground level with fenced platforms on each side. You can either look for holes in the fence and use a movement skill to get through, or find the stairs. From the start go upwards until you find a room containing the Miasmeter to the left, which gets you a Passive Skillpoint from Vilenta. Continue to the right and follow along until you find Justicar Casticus. Defeat him to get the Eyes of Zeal and get a Key to Freedom Flask quest reward from Lani, then continue your way to the Oriath Square.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Matriarch (optional)
Hideout: Stately Hideout
The Oriath Square is a large area that is divided into three parts. The first part are the streets surrounding the square, the second is the square itself, and the third is the streets beyond the two bridges. For now there's not much you can do here except for unlocking the Stately Hideout. To progress head up until you cross the bridge on the right, then continue upwards to find the Templar Courts.
Waypoint: Yes
The Templar Courts lead you through a large building. The Waypoint is at the start, then go right until you hit a wall. Move up as far as possible and continue going right until you hit a large room with stairs leading into a courtroom. Now go down until you find a large room leading to the Chamber of Innocence on the left.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: High Templar Avarius; Innocence, God-Emperor of Eternity
Quests: Death to Purity
Recipe Altar: Movement Speed and Exerted Attacks
The Chamber of Innocence is a large linear area with great monster density with its Waypoint right at the start. This makes it a good spot to farm some levels in before the next boss fights. The enemies here can cast a temporal bubble shield, which prevents most skills from dealing damage outside of its radius. From the start, go left until you reach a very linear set of stairs. Beyond that, keep going down and follow the path towards the right side until you find a large rectangular room with lots of enemies and the Sanctum of Innocence. Before you enter, get the Recipe Altar that usually spawns in the room to the left and prepare to fight.
Innocence has two main phases (each with additional sub phases) and is called Avarius in the first phase. He has a large move set, so we'll only discuss the dangerous ones. Both of his slams are deadly. One of them marks a spot on the ground, while he raises his other before slamming the area in front of him. Both are easy to avoid if you just don't stand in them. He can also awaken the statues around the arena, which are slow but deal significant damage with their melee strikes. The most deadly skill is his slow, golden projectile that unleashes a bullet hell of smaller projectiles. If you're not comfortable walking around them, use a Portal Scroll and then don't move or do anything while coming back in until it's over. At 50% Life he teleports to the middle of the arena and becomes invulnerable while continuously spawning enemies. After Avarius is defeated, Innocence reveals himself. This phase is similar to the first phase, but his invulnerabilities happen at 50% & 33% Life and he gains a new deadly skill. When he shouts "I am the torch!" he channels a large beam that deals Fire Damage over time and increases the Fire Damage you take if it stacks up on you. Try to stay at his back during this. After defeating Innocence and unleashing Kitava's influence, most zones in Act 5 change permanently. Head to the Torched Courts and talk to Bannon on the way. You can also claim a Death to Purity Jewel quest reward from Lani.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Cato, Scholar of Light (optional)
The Torched Courts are just the Templar Courts in the process of being destroyed. That means your way out is the reverse of how you got in, with the occasional obstacle in your way. The enemies have changed to Kitava cultists, which deal heavy Physical, Fire and Lightning Damage, so try to not get caught up in their skills!
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Risen Matriarch (optional); Utula, Stone and Steel (optional)
Quests: The King's Feast
Hideout: Stately Hideout
The destruction continues within the Ruined Square. While the layout is the same as it was in Oriath Square, obstacles force you through a different path in the upper part and the right bridge has collapsed. The Waypoint is located beyond the obstacle and in front of the Ossuary that you need to enter for a mandatory quest. Once you're done with that, cross the bridge to the south to enter the main square. Before you head to the final boss, look for a side path to the right that leads to the Reliquary. After finishing your quest there, go kill Utula in the side path above to choose one of The King's Feast Jewel quest rewards from Bannon. The Stately Hideout can still be unlocked if you haven't done so before. If you don't care about that, go left across the square and enter the Cathedral Rooftop.
Waypoint: No
Quests: The Ravenous God
Recipe Altar: Physical Damage
The Ossuary is a circular area. The small room connecting your destination with the entrance hall is closed at first, so you have to go all the way around. Once you reach the Tomb of the First Templar, pick up the Sign of Purity and use the lever to open up your way back to the entrance along with a Recipe Altar.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Kitava's Torments (Passive Skillpoint & 2x Passive Respec Points)
Recipe Altar: Accuracy
The Reliquary is made of many platforms connected through narrow paths. You always start in its left corner with the Waypoint right in front of you. Your task is to find Hinekora's Hair, Tukohama's Tooth and Valako's Jaw. These artifacts are found inside the Karui Relic Cases, which are located in the other corners. There's also a Recipe Altar in its center. After collecting all three artifacts, you can leave and claim a Passive Skillpoint and two Passive Respec Points from Lani. Now you can go back to the Ruined Square Waypoint and enter the Cathedral Rooftop to finish Act 5.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Kitava, the Insatiable
Quests: The Ravenous God
The Cathedral Rooftop leads you straight to the boss arena. Your path rarely gets disrupted by holes in the ground and arches without any doors, but if it happens look for makeshift wooden structures on the sides to continue. At the end you'll find the Cathedral Apex, the arena where you fight Kitava.
Interact with the Cradle of Purity to start the fight. Kitava only has five moves, but they are all be deadly and should be avoided. If you're close to Kitava, he lays his arm onto the side of the arena you stand on and then swipes the ground up to the middle point. Move to the other side and you're safe. If you're far away he throws debris that you're safe from if you move close to him. Regardless of your position, he raises his hand and slams the ground, releasing a shockwave forward. Another skill places four runes in an X-pattern that move closer to the middle spot in three pulses before detonating. Both skills can be avoided by going to the side with your movement skill before they go off. The last skill places a damaging ground effect that expands outwards in smaller lines and disappears after awhile. Kitava gets interrupted after dealing some damage to him, and the second and third interruptions cause Kitava's Heart to fall into the arena which you need to attack. Beware that enemies spawn during this phase and there's a damaging ground effect around the heart. The fight ends after Kitava reaches 50% Life and knocks you down, applying a permanent -30% reduction to your Elemental and Chaos Resistances.
Sin comes to your rescue and places you on the Oriath Docks. Left of you are the Waypoint and a ladder up to the Cathedral Rooftop, should you ever want to return. The bridge next to the Waypoint leads to Lilly Roth and her ship. Choose "Sail to Wraeclast" in her dialogue options to finish Act 5 and go back to a familiar area.
Act 6
NPCs: Lilly Roth; Bestel; Tarkleigh; Sin
Surprise, you're back in Act 1! Well, not quite, things have changed since you've last been here. Lioneye's Watch is still the town however. There are four NPCs:
- Tarkleigh sells equipment and quality currency.
- Bestel sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Lilly Roth sells all regular gems after finishing her quest. She's located on the pier at first, but eventually moves over to the other NPCs.
- Sin doesn't do much yet, but he can upgrade Pantheon powers once you've finished the acts.
Clear out the Twilight Strand to the left at least once each league to unlock Lilly as gem vendor for your hideout. Then head to the Coast to progress.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Rhys of Abram
Quests: Fallen from Grace (2x Passive Respec Points)
The Twilight Strand is optional, but should be dealt with once in a new league. Lilly asks you to clear it of all undead, luckily the layout is linear and you even get a counter for the last five enemies. The undead release a projectile on death which targets the location you were at on the kill. At the end of the zone, the starting point at the beginning of Path of Exile, awaits Rhys of Abram. He continuously triggers those same projectiles and releases six of them upon death. After defeating all enemies, return to Lilly to get two Passive Respec Points and unlock all regular gems in her shop for this character. Additionally, it unlocks them league-wide for Lilly in your hideout.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Raihara, Tukohama's Loyal (optional)
You may notice a slight change of scenery and different enemies roaming around, but the layout of the Coast is still the same. The Waypoint and its two exits are in the upper part, going along the shoreline where possible usually gets you there pretty fast. Skip the Tidal Island and go straight to the Mud Flats.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Riptide (optional)
Quests: Bestel's Epic
You don't need to enter this area at all; it's just for completion. The Tidal Island has changed in the same way as the Coast. The shipwreck that previously housed Hailrake is now inhabited by Riptide, who drops Bestel's Manuscript upon death. Returning this to Bestel finishes the Bestel's Epic quest and lets you claim an Amulet or Belt as reward. Overall pretty underwhelming and only worth doing if you need it for a challenge.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Dishonoured Queen
Quests: The Father of War
The Mud Flats continue the Karui influence from the previous zone. You can find the Dishonoured Queen in the right corner of the map. Defeat her to get the Eye of Conquest, then go back to the left and open your way to the Karui Fortress.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Tukohama, Karui God of War
Quests: The Father of War (Passive Skillpoint)
Recipe Altar: Defences
The Karui Fortress is a large circular area spanning around the namesake fortress. Find the southern entrance to Tukohama's Keep to fight Tukohama. His attacks are well telegraphed and easy to avoid. Halfway through the fight, he spawns four totems that need to be destroyed to continue the fight. Defeating Tukohama unlocks the Soul of Tukohama Pantheon power and a Passive Skillpoint from Tarkleigh. Sin appears after Tukohama is defeated and introduces you to the Pantheon. Get the Recipe Altar, then leave through the northern entrance and prepare for monsters instantly attacking you. After dealing with them, head to the right to find the Ridge.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Fleetfreak (optional)
The Ridge is Act 6's counterpart to the Ledge. Its Waypoint is right at the start, and the zone continues linearly on the opposite side of it. There are two side paths on the way which form a loop and can be ignored. Eventually you reach a rooftop leading you down into the Lower Prison.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Double Resistances
While the entrance section is the same as in Act 1 with the Waypoint at the end, the rest of the layout has changed. The zone now expands more into the south and then usually goes back up. The first Trial of Ascendancy for the Cruel Labyrinth together with a Recipe Altar inside is usually found in the southern part. The entrance to Shavronne's Tower is either top left or bottom right.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Reassembled Brutus; Shavronne the Returned
Quests: Essence of Umbra
Recipe Altar: Shavronne's Tower
Shavronne's Tower spans a circular layout over its first four floors. The stairs to the next floor are always in the upper part, except for the fourth floor which has a ladder in the middle leading into the Prison Rooftop.
Here you have to fight Brutus at first, who now merged both of his slams into a triple slam skill while tracking your position. He can also traverse the arena with his chain hook instead of dragging you closer. Shavronne uses Lightning Spells and buffs Brutus with Lightning Damage during this phase.
When Brutus reaches 35% Life, Shavronne swaps place with him. She continues using Lightning Spells and places book-like totems. Occasionally she levitates and casts at you while being untargetable. Run around during this to avoid as much damage as possible. Her most dangerous skill is the slam, which is telegraphed by a huge ring lighting up around her that you shouldn't stand within.
At 50% Life she swaps back with Brutus, who is now back to 75% Life and is now permanently buffed with Lightning Damage. Defeating him opens the way down into the Prison to get a Recipe Altar and find the Prisoner's Gate. You can also claim a rare helmet from Tarkleigh.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Abberath, the Cloven One
Quests: The Cloven One (Passive Skillpoint)
The Prisoner's Gate hasn't changed much, including the Waypoint which is still at the start. You can follow the main path and go straight for the Western Forest, however head for the side area through the gorge first. One of the ends here has Nessa to talk to, while the other leads to the Valley of the Fire Drinker to fight Abberath. Keep moving during the fight to avoid the meteors he calls down from the sky. He jumps into another arena at 50% Life, which is reached through a narrow path full of goatmen and fireballs. Defeating Abberath unlocks the Soul of Abberath Pantheon power and lets you claim a Passive Skillpoint from Bestel. Now continue to the Western Forest.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Defiled Proclamation (optional)
Recipe Altar: Attributes
The Western Forest confronts you with the undead remains of Blackguard soldiers you previously killed. Beyond that camp follow the main path to get to the Riverways. Pick up the Waypoint along the path and the Recipe Altar in Alira's camp. The torch and stone path leading there are still intact.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Animal Pack (optional)
While the Riverways are still a large area, you can skip most of it by following the main path and using a movement skill to cross the collapsed bridges. Once you've reached the Waypoint, look for the side path across from it to find the Wetlands. After finishing your quest there, continue along the main path until you reach the barricaded Forest Encampment guarded by the Animal Pack. Run past them towards the right to find the Southern Forest.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Ryslatha, the Puppet Mistress
Quests: The Puppet Mistress (Passive Skillpoint)
The Wetlands have nothing interesting to offer, so just look around the mountainside for the Spawning Ground. Destroy all three Ryslatha's Nests along the bottom of the arena to spawn Ryslatha in the upper part. She deals heavy Chaos Damage, leaves damaging ground effects, and burrows/moves around the arena. Defeating her unlocks the Soul of Ryslatha Pantheon power and gets you a Passive Skillpoint from Tarkleigh. Now you can continue in the Riverways.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Hollowskull, the Willing Host (optional)
Act 6 lets you explore more parts of the Southern Forest. Multiple islands are connected by fallen trees that lead toward the long island that you're familiar with from Act 2. The Waypoint and entrance to the Cavern of Anger are at its end to the right.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Brinecrack (optional)
Quests: The Brine King
Hideout: Coral Hideout
You first end up in Merveil's empty arena with nothing but the Flag Chest in it. Open it and pick up The Black Flag, then continue to the passage and up. The Coral Hideout can be unlocked after interacting with a switch close to it. The exit leading to the Beacon can be either to the left or right.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: The Brine King
Recipe Altar: Life and Mana
The Beacon has its Waypoint right at the start and leads you along a beach at first. Follow the shoreline upwards until you reach an elevated part leading to the beacon itself. Grab the Recipe Altar and continue up the stairs to find two tanks that have to be moved inside the beacon by standing within their AoE marker. Ghosts spawn along the way to attack you. After fitting both tanks, go up the stairs and light the beacon to call Weylam Roth's ship. Go down to him and sail to the Brine King's Reef.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Tsoagoth, the Brine King
Quests: The Brine King
The Brine King's Reef is a very large area made of multiple islands with its Waypoint at the start. This zone is tricky to traverse as the Brine King's arena can spawn in any direction. Go along the shoreline until you find the Brine King's Throne. Inside await Nessa and the Brine King, who fights you after a very long monologue.
The Brine King doesn't have many moves. Two of them are melee attacks that he uses when you're in front of him, which can be avoided by simply staying at his back. His last move covers him in water, which grants damage reduction and damages you when you're close. Small enemies spawn during the duration of this move. Every time the Brine King loses 25% Life, he idles in the middle of the arena and becomes invulnerable while the arena shrinks down significantly. Lightning Strikes fill the arena and Water Splashes target you during this phase, so be on your toes to survive. The fight goes back to normal after some time, but the arena shrinks a bit more with each phase. During the last 25% Life, the Lightning Strikes continue for the remainder of the fight. Defeating the Brine King unlocks the Soul of the Brine King Pantheon power and calls Weylam Roth to the arena, who takes you to Act 7.
Act 7
NPCs: Helena; Yeena; Eramir; Weylam Roth; Sin
The Bridge Encampment is the town in Act 7 and is located in Kraityn's old camp, as the Forest Encampment was taken over. It has five NPCs:
- Helena sells equipment and quality currency.
- Yeena sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Eramir and Weylam Roth give you some quest rewards.
- Sin upgrades your Pantheon powers once you've finished the acts.
Waypoint: No
Quests: The Silver Locket (Flask Reward)
The Broken Bridge now offers a larger variety of monsters and has lost its Waypoint, but not much else has changed. Following the main path gets you to the Crossroads exit. Before going there, look for a large, squared building with a Dirty Lockbox in one of its corners. This contains the Silver Locket, which gets you a Silver Locket Flask quest reward from Weylam Roth.
Alva can be encountered for the first time here.
Waypoint: Yes
The Crossroads are now barricaded towards the Old Fields, which leaves you with two ways to go. From the Waypoint at the crossing go to the Fellshrine Ruins to the right first and finish your business there. Later you'll come back and enter the Chamber of Sins to the left.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Bundle of Woe (optional)
There's once again not much to do within the Fellshrine Ruins, just follow the path until you reach the church ruins in the right corner and enter the Crypt.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Essence of the Artist; The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Damage over Time
The Crypt has lost access to its second level, but still has its Waypoint at the start and a Trial of Ascendancy that you should finish before continuing. Afterwards, look for a Sarcophagus in a small room around the border of this crypt that leads down into the archives. Your task is to get Maligaro's Map from the Container of Sins, usually found in the opposite corner from where you start. After acquiring it, go back to the Crossroads and enter the Chamber of Sins.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Essence of the Artist; Web of Secrets
Recipe Altar: Lightning Damage
The first level of the Chamber of Sins uses the same layout as in Act 2. Head to the round chamber in the center to find its Waypoint next to a Recipe Altar and Silk. He wants you to enter Maligaro's Sanctum to collect the Black Venom. Use Maligaro's Map in the map device next to you to open six portals to this zone. Once you have the Black Venom, give it to Silk for the Obsidian Key needed to open up the Chamber of Sins Level 2. You can find the stairs leading down into it by following the narrow path across from the Waypoint.
Boss: Black Death, Pain Unending; Fidelitas, Loyalty Undying; Maligaro, the Artist
Quests: Essence of the Artist; Web of Secrets
Maligaro's Sanctum is your introduction to Path of Exile's map system that makes up most of its endgame. This instance has limited access through its six portals, with dying or leaving consuming another portal to get back. If all portals are used up, you have to go back to the Crypt to get another copy of Maligaro's Map which opens a different instance to finish your quest.
The sanctum is made of three islands that are connected through narrow bridges in one of their corners. Usually heading right from the start gets you to the second island, and the third island can be found up from there. Maligaro's Workshop is in the upper left part where he fights you. He summons the Black Death and Fidelitas at 75% & 50% Life respectively. You must defeat all three bosses to get the Black Venom drop. With that in your inventory, leave and go back to Silk.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Plague Retch (optional)
Quests: The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Mana Regeneration
Hideout: Baleful Hideout
The second level of the Chamber of Sins also uses the same layout as in Act 2 with a few variations. First look for the last Trial of Ascendancy needed to unlock the Cruel Labyrinth, which also contains a Recipe Altar. The Baleful Hideout can also be unlocked here. After that, look for the same long, narrow hallway that led you to Fidelitas in Act 2. Follow along to the end, then go behind the fence to enter the Den.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: The Bone Sculptor (optional); The Great White Bones (optional)
The Den grew a bit in size compared to your last visit in Act 2. It starts with its Waypoint and expands to the opposite side. If you always stick to the leftmost wall, you'll normally find the exit quickly.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Greust, Lord of the Forest
Quests: The Master of a Million Faces (Passive Skillpoint)
There's not much to be found in the Ashen Fields. Get its Waypoint, then follow the path to the left to find the Fortress Encampment where a possessed Greust resides. He first sends his followers and pets against you before joining the fight himself. His only dangerous move is the projectiles he releases after channeling for a while, circle around him or hide behind an obstacle to avoid them. Defeating Greust unlocks the Soul of Ralakesh Pantheon power, a Passive Skillpoint from Eramir, and lets you continue to the Northern Forest.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Tunnelworm (optional)
Quests: In Memory of Greust
The Northern Forest starts with a Waypoint and continues the trend of re-used Act 2 layouts. This time you actually have to enter the Dread Thicket to progress, which normally spawns early into this zone. Further in you can find an Azmeri Shrine which can be skipped. If you want to finish this optional quest, talk to Helena to get Greust's Necklace and place it upon the shrine. Defeat the few spawning enemies and claim an amulet as quest reward from her. The Causeway is found at the end of this zone.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Gruthkul, Mother of Despair; The Dreadstone (optional)
Quests: Lighting the Way; Queen of Despair (Passive Skillpoint)
Recipe Altar: Fire Damage
Seven fireflies are scattered randomly across the Den which you need to collect. While you're here, grab the Recipe Altar near the Dreadstone, skip the boss, and look for the Den of Despair. In there you have to fight Gruthkul, who deals heavy Physical Damage. Keep moving while she channels to avoid the black projectiles on the ground. Defeating her unlocks the Soul of Gruthkul Pantheon power and a Passive Skillpoint from Eramir. After everything is done, return to the Northern Forest.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Kishara's Star (Passive Skillpoint & 2x Passive Respec Points)
Recipe Altar: Cold Damage
The Causeway leads you over submerged Vaal architecture towards the Vaal City. Head upwards to find a Waypoint and Recipe Altar around the middle of the zone, then continue until you find the Vaal City entrance. On the same platform as the exit is Kishara's Lockbox containing Kishara's Star. Bring it to Weylam Roth to get a Passive Skillpoint and two Passive Respec Points.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Lighting the Way
The Vaal City is one of the worst zones because it's annoying to navigate. Your destination is the Temple of Decay hidden within the ruins. Go along the long walls where a Waypoint and quest marker on the minimap mark the spot you want to reach. Once there talk to Yeena to open the entrance (but make sure you finish the Cruel Labyrinth first if you haven't yet). This is your last Waypoint before the long stretch to Act 7's final boss and having the second Ascendancy power certainly helps.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Blightblade (optional)
The Temple of Decay leads you through the spider-infested temple across two levels. The first level has two floors, both with a middle platform that can be reached through stone bridges from each direction. The stairs leading down into the next floor are usually in the opposite corner from your starting point.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Arakaali, Spinner of Shadows
Quests: The Mother of Spiders
Recipe Altar: Chaos Damage
The second level of the Temple of Decay has the same layout as the first. The second floor has a Recipe Altar on the middle platform. The third floor is more linear than the previous ones and leads you to Arakaali's Web in the upper part. In there awaits Arakaali, the final boss of Act 7.
Arakaali mostly stays stationary in a corner, but can submerge and change between the north, east and west corners. Lasers occasionally target you during the fight, which are deadly but easy to avoid. Arakaali uses a melee attack and AoE spell when you stand in front of her, and shoots spider eggs when you're far away.
At 50% Life Arakaali consumes Silk and heals back to 66%. During this second phase she gains two additional skills. She throws purple mortars into the arena, which are sucked back to her when she stomps the ground. It's a bullet hell, but easy to avoid. More deadly is her laser barrage. When she slows down and lays her head on the ground, bait it into one direction before moving to her other side. Defeating Arakaali unlocks the Soul of Arakaali Pantheon power and opens your path to Act 8.
Act 8
Waypoint: Yes
The Sarn Ramparts are your way into Sarn this time. From the Waypoint follow the ramparts to the right to find their entrance. Once on the ramparts, go left until you find the stairs leading down to Sarn.
NPCs: Hargan; Clarissa; Maramoa; Sin
The Sarn Encampment is the town in Act 8 and has four NPCs:
- Hargan sells equipment and quality currency.
- Clarissa sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Maramoa gives you some quest rewards.
- Sin upgrades your Pantheon powers once you've finished the acts.
The town hasn't changed much since your last arrival. Upstairs you can still find the Aspirant's Plaza and Sarn Arena for high level PvP. The way to the eastern ramparts has collapsed, however. Your journey continues on the bridge past Clarissa leading you to the Toxic Conduits.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Lingering Abberation (optional)
The Toxic Conduits lead you through Sarns sewers. There's a lot of Chaos Damage here while your Chaos Resistance might be negative. Be afraid of the Chaos Damage Clouds the zombies leave upon death! Choose either pipe at the start and follow it until you reach a side door. Take it and follow the path past the Lingering Abberation to find the entrance to Doedre's Cesspool.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Doedre the Vile
Quests: Essence of the Hag
Recipe Altar: Elemental Resistances
Doedre's Cesspool continues your trip through the sewers. The zone can expand either up or down. Search for a Loose Grate leading into Doedre's Cauldron and interact with the valve to start the fight. Doedre can teleport around the arena and deals Physical Damage with her projectiles. The ground gets covered in Effluents that apply up to 10 stacks of the following debuffs:
- Red Effluents increase the damage you take by 10% per stack.
- Green Effluents reduce your and your minions damage by 7% per stack.
- Purple Effluents slow you by 7% per stack.
Interacting with the valve changes the type of Effluents that spawn into the arena but also grants Doedre the opposite effect of the current Effluent (e.g. Red Effluent reduces the damage she takes). This can make the fight extremely deadly, so the best strategy is to ignore this mechanic, position yourself away from the Effluents and burst her down. Defeating Doedre opens the path to the waypoint. From there, up leads to the Quay while down leads to a Recipe Altar and the Grand Promenade. Go to the Quay first.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Tolman
Quests: Love is Dead (Passive Skillpoint & 2x Passive Respec Points)
The Quay is a very long, linear zone with multiple points of interest. Follow along the water until you find a long, narrow wooden bridge that leads to a small island. There you'll find the Sealed Casket containing the Ankh of Eternity. Take it and return to the main path and keep following the water. Eventually the way splits into two directions, go down first until you reach the Resurrection Side. Talk to Clarissa and defeat all zombies, including Tolman to receive a Passive Skillpoint and two Passive Respec Points from Clarissa in town. Now return to where the path split and head up to find the Grain Gate entrance.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Gemling Legionnaires
Quests: The Gemling Legion (Passive Skillpoint)
The Grain Gate returns you to Sarn's warehouse district and has its Waypoint at the start. You have to pass through some warehouses marked by corpses or limbs to progress. Around the middle of the zone you'll find the Gemling Legionnaires in an outside part, defeat them to claim a Passive Skillpoint from Maramoa. Now continue through the warehouses until you find the Imperial Fields.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Effigy of Fear (optional)
The Imperial Fields are large, but mostly uneventful. Follow along the main path towards the upper left to find the Waypoint. The path eventually ends, but the direction to go stays the same and leads you to the Solaris Temple.
Waypoint: Yes
Act 8 lets you enter the Solaris Temple from another side. Following the hallways leads you to the big, squared room with the Waypoint. There's two ways to go from here, taking the left path brings you to the Solaris Concourse, a zone that you don't ever have to enter. Instead, choose the upper path to find the stairs leading down into the second level.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Dawn, Harbinger of Solaris
Quests: Solar Eclipse
Recipe Altar: Traps and Mines
This zone is the same as in Act 3, and you're looking for the same platform where you previously found Lady Dialla. The Waypoint is deactivated and Dialla is gone, instead you find a portal that brings you to an arena where you have to fight Dawn. Stay at his back to avoid his projectiles and make quick process with him to get the Sun Orb, then get the Recipe Altar at the back of the arena. With everything done here, head back to Doedre's Cesspool and enter the Grand Promenade.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Regulus, Sun's Herald (optional)
The Solaris Concourse is an optional zone that you don't really ever have to enter. It's the same as the Battlefront in Act 3, but with its previous exits being closed off. Instead, the barrier on the bridge is gone and you can enter the Harbour Bridge. However this can also be done from the other side and you have to go there for quest progression anyway, so just ignore this zone.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Ondar, the Betrayer (optional)
The Grand Promenade is a very long, linear zone with elevated platforms on one side. Go through the wide opening at the start and follow the outer fence. Most movement skills can be used to skip over the water streams, otherwise go up the elevated platform and go around it. The entrance to the Bath House is at the end of the Promenade.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Hector Titucius, Eternal Servant (optional)
Quests: The Wings of Vastiri; The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Flask Duration
Hideout: Luxurious Hideout
The Bath House has its relaxing atmosphere disturbed by monsters. There are multiple points of interest here. You always start in its left corner with the Waypoint, from there you can reach the main room by going around the first rooms and heading up. There you can fight Hector Titucius to get the Wings of Vastiri from the Tomb of Hector Titucius, which unlocks the Wings of Vastiri Jewel quest rewards.
You can find a Trial of Ascendancy with a Recipe Altar and the way to the High Gardens through the upper exits. After finishing your quest there, return to this room and head to the lower right exit. Here you can find the Luxorious Hideout and the exit to the Lunaris Concourse.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Yugul, Reflection of Terror
Quests: Reflection of Terror (Passive Skillpoint)
The High Gardens are another long promenade with an elevated platform to one side. Be careful with the Porcupine monsters as they release spikes on death and usually appear in large packs. It's best to just run past them if you value your life. Towards the end lie the Pools of Terror where you have to fight Yugul. Watch out for its attacks and keep moving to avoid the Cold Projectiles that float around the arena. Yugul retreats twice during the fight and spawns weaker copies of itself that need to be defeated to continue. Killing Yugul unlocks the Soul of Yugul Pantheon power and a Passive Skillpoint from Hargan. Now return to the Bath House to enter the Lunaris Concourse.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Nightbringer Lucius (optional)
The Lunaris Concourse is a copy of the Ebony Barracks in Act 3. Pick up the Waypoint, then go left to find the Lunaris Temple. After getting the Moon Orb in the Lunaris Temple, return to this zone and go right to enter the Harbour Bridge.
Waypoint: Yes
The atmosphere inside the Lunaris Temple has changed since Piety is gone, but the layout is still the same. Follow the carpet until you reach the large room where you previously encountered Kole, then head up to find the Waypoint next to the stairs leading down into the second level.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Dusk, Harbinger of Lunaris
Quests: Lunar Eclipse
Recipe Altar: Minions
The second level hasn't changed its layout either. Make your way through the first three platforms to find the linear section leading to the cages. Pass through the next few rooms to reach Piety's old arena. Instead of Piety you now have to fight Dusk. This battle is similar to Dawn, stay at their back to be safe from all projectiles. Take the Moon Orb after the fight is over and get the Recipe Altar at the back of the arena, then return to the Lunaris Concourse to enter the Harbour Bridge.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Lunaris, Eternal Moon; Solaris, Eternal Sun
Quests: Lunar Eclipse; Solar Eclipse
The Harbour Bridge is a fairly long zone that connects the Lunaris Concourse and Solaris Concourse, and has faction-specific monsters on each half. Its layout and monster density make it a good farming spot to gain some experience and upgrades before the final boss fight of Act 8. Once you feel ready, enter the Sky Shrine in the middle and interact with the Statue of the Sisters to start the fight.
Solaris and Lunaris spawn and fight you together at first. At every 33% Life lost, one of them despawns and turns into an untargetable orb to aid the other with AoE skills. Solaris has a few melee attacks and shoots a beam. Her most dangerous skill is her energy lance that first moves forward and then splits into additional lances with great AoE coverage. Staying at her back is generally the safest spot during the fight. Her orb form spreads Fire over a part of the arena.
Lunaris throws her weapons at you and spin towards you. Her most dangerous skill is her jumping slam, stay far enough away and you'll be safe. Her orb form throws projectiles in a helix pattern and applies a damaging Cold debuff. Defeating both sisters grants you the Soul of Solaris and Soul of Lunaris Pantheon powers and opens up the path to Act 9.
Act 9
Waypoint: Yes
While the Lunaris Temple had brightened up, the opposite goes for the Aqueduct. Apart from that it works the same as in Act 4, with the exit to Highgate at the end of the left lane. If you want to invest some time, the Humility Divination Card can be farmed here. A set of nine gives you a Tabula Rasa, a sixlinked Body Armour with no stats. This together with its layout and monster level makes the Blood Aqueduct a popular farming spot to get ready for maps after finishing the acts.
NPCs: Irasha; Petarus & Vanja; Tasuni; Sin
Highgate is the town in Act 9 and has four NPCs:
- Irasha sells equipment and quality currency.
- Petarus & Vanja sell wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Tasuni gives you some quest rewards.
- Sin can upgrade your Pantheon powers once you've finished the acts.
The exits to the Dried Lake and Mines have been closed off, to continue go up past the Waypoint where you previously entered the Ascent to find the entrance to the Descent.
Waypoint: No
Instead of climbing to the top of Mount Veruso, Act 9 makes you descend it over three floors. Each floor has a Supply Host in its right corner that leads you down to the next floor. On the third floor, this Supply Host acts as entrance to the Vastiri Desert.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: The Storm Blade
Recipe Altar: Attack and Cast Speed
The Vastiri Desert is a large, open area. Your main task is to find the Storm Blade, which is located inside the Storm-Weathered Chest in a random spot. Interacting with it spawns waves of enemies that you have to defeat to get the Storm Blade. The Waypoint along with a Recipe Altar also appear in a random spot, usually in the eastern half of this zone. At the very right end you can find a blocked entrance, which prompts a new quest state when getting close. Talk to Sin, then to Petarus & Vanja to receive the Bottled Storm, which removes the sandstorm to free up the Oasis entrance. After finishing your quest there, return to the Waypoint and head north to find the Foothills.
Jun can be encountered for the first time here.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Shakari, Queen of the Sands
Quests: Queen of the Sands (Passive Skillpoint)
Hideout: Desert Hideout
The Oasis is a circular zone stretching around its oasis in the middle. There are three side areas that can be found in random spots along the outside. The Forbidden Vault houses Jun and is only needed to start her quest line. The Desert Hideout can be unlocked to add another tileset for you to choose from. The Sand Pit is what you're really here for. In there you have to fight Shakari, a large scorpion that often burrows into the ground. Her other attacks are well telegraphed and easy to avoid by moving behind her. At some point you have to follow her into another arena through a path full of quicksand, try not to stand in it and keep close to her stinger. Defeating her unlocks the Soul of Shakari Pantheon power and a Passive Skillpoint from Irasha. With that done, return to the Vastiri Desert and enter the Foothills.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Boulderback (optional)
Quests: Fastis Fortuna (2x Passive Respec Points)
The Foothills stretch upwards to the Tunnel. The Waypoint is not far in to the right, next to the Boiling Lake entrance. Finish your quest there and then return to this Waypoint and head to the Tunnel. On the way, you may kill Boulderback to get the Calendar of Fortune drop, which gets you two Passive Respec Points from Petarus & Vanja.
Waypoint: No
Boss: The Basilisk
Quests: Recurring Nightmare
Recipe Altar: Spell Damage
The Boiling Lake sidetracks you through the dried-out remains of a lake. Head to the upper right and use your movement skill to pass over the ledges until you find an army of petrified soldiers. Your target, The Basilisk, is in a corner close to the soldiers together with a Recipe Altar. All of its attacks can be avoided by just staying at its back. Defeating it drops the Basilisk Acid and brings all petrified soldiers back to life. Ignore them and return to the Foothills Waypoint.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: All Attributes
The Tunnel continues the path upwards. Early on is a sidepath that leads you to a Trial of Ascendancy together with a Recipe Altar. After that's done, continue going up to find the Waypoint and eventually the Quarry entrance.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Garukhan, Queen of the Winds; Kira, Servant of Garukhan
Quests: The Ruler of Highgate (Passive Skillpoint); Recurring Nightmare
Recipe Altar: Physical Damage
The Quarry is a large, square zone with multiple elevation levels. Head to its center to find the Waypoint, a Recipe Altar and Sin next to a closed entrance. Before continuing you have to get the Trarthan Powder from the Refinery. Its entrance is along the right wall. After finishing there, look for the Shrine of the Winds that spawns along the right or left wall. In this small arena you have to fight Garukhan and Kira. Avoid the tornados and lure Garukhan into a safe corner to get some damage in. Defeating them unlocks the Soul of Garukhan Pantheon power and gets you the Sekhema Feather. Bring it to Irasha to get a Passive Skillpoint, then return to Sin in the Quarry to open the Belly of the Beast entrance.
Waypoint: No
Boss: General Adus
Quests: Recurring Nightmare
The Refinery is a circular zone that leads you through a few factories. Take the left exit at the start and enter the first factory. Continue left to find its exit, then head up and pass through another factory. The next entrance up and left of you leads to General Adus. He has a few nasty AoE skills that you should avoid at all cost! Defeat him to unlock the back room, where you can get the Trarthan Powder from the Theurgic Precipitate Machine. Now return to Sin in the Quarry, and don't forget to look for the Shrine of the Winds there.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Droolmaw (optional)
You're back inside the beast to make your way through its bowels. You want to reach the Rotting Core in the upper part, but sometimes you have to find a small opening on the side to reach it.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Doedre, Darksoul; Maligaro, the Broken; Shavronne, Unbound; The Depraved Trinity
Quests: Recurring Nightmare
The Rotting Core continues the previous layout at first. Take the first sidepath up and follow it to find the Black Core. Down there waits Sin, who needs you to defeat Doedre, Maligaro and Shavronne in their respective domains. Talk to him to reveal the entrances, each of them leads you through a linear zone with the boss in a separate arena at the end.
The fights are similar to the previous battles you've had with them, only Doedre has a mechanic that you need to know about. There's three totems inside the arena that apply slightly weaker versions of the Effluent debuffs from her fight in Act 8. While that's bad, they also serve as protection against her large AoE and shouldn't be destroyed. Instead, try to stay away from them to not stack up too many debuffs.
After defeating all three bosses, talk to Sin to open up the Black Heart and start the final fight of Act 9. The Depraved Trinity is an amalgamation of Doedre, Maligaro and Shavronne and uses some of their abilities, which are well telegraphed and easily avoided. If you stand close, the Trinity often swipes or slams at you. At range it casts a large, red sphere that remains within the arena for 30 seconds and deals heavy damage if you stand within it. After each 25% Life lost, the Trinity disappears and spawns six enemies that deal heavy damage and should be taken care of with caution. Sin rescues you out of the collapsing arena after defeating the Depraved Trinity. Outside, talk to Lilly Roth to return to Oriath for the final act.
Act 10
NPCs: Lilly Roth; Weylam Roth; Lani; Sin; Bannon; Innocence
The Oriath Docks are the town in Act 10 and has six NPCs:
- Lilly Roth sells all regular skill gems if you've finished her quest in Act 6.
- Weylam Roth sells equipment and quality currency.
- Lani sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Sin can upgrade your Pantheon powers once you've finished the acts.
- Bannon needs to be rescued first to appear, and is replaced by Innocence later in the act.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Plaguewing
Quests: Safe Passage (Flask Reward)
The ladder in the Oriath Docks leads you back to the Cathedral Rooftop, where you previously have fought Kitava. Enter the Cathedral Apex on the left first to find Bannon trapped behind some monsters, with Plaguewing as boss. Defeat them to free him and unlock the Safe Passage Flask quest rewards at Lani. Now continue your way to the right to find the Ravaged Square.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: An End to Hunger
The Ravaged Square is what's left of the Oriath Square and still uses the same layout. There are multiple locations to go to, but start with the Control Blocks in the lower part. The Reliquary to the right of it can be skipped. Instead go up and take the bridge to the right to find the Waypoint and Ossuary. This only has to be entered if you need the Trial of Ascendancy inside, otherwise continue right to get to the Torched Courts. After finishing the quest there, return to the Waypoint and talk to Innocence to open up the Canals entrance.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Vilenta
Quests: Vilenta's Vengeance (Passive Skillpoint)
Take the Waypoint in the room next to the start, and continue left to reach the room where you previously found the Miasmeter. Vilenta waits inside the Arena. Defeat her to get a Passive Skillpoint from Lani. Now return to the Waypoint and go back to the Ravaged Square.
Waypoint: Yes
Quests: Map to Tsoatha
The Reliquary is the same as in Act 5, and is only needed for an optional side quest with underwhelming rewards. If you want to do it anyway, get The Teardrop from the Pearl Case in one of the corners and return it to Lilly Roth to get a belt.
Waypoint: No
Quests: No Love for Old Ghosts (2x Passive Respec Points); The Lord's Labyrinth (Trial of Ascendancy)
Recipe Altar: Chaos Damage
Hideout: Skeletal Hideout
The Ossuary has its previous rooms closed off and leads you down into its bottom chamber instead. The zone is 8-shaped, and towards the back is the last Trial of Ascendancy needed for the Merciless Labyrinth. Near it is a large platform with a Recipe Altar and a Sealed Chest containing the Elixir of Allure, which gets you two Passive Respec Points from Weylam Roth. The Skeletal Hideout can also be unlocked here.
Waypoint: No
The Torched Courts should be familiar to you by now, as you've already passed through them twice in Act 5. Head right to the large courtroom, then down to find the Desecrated Chambers entrance on the left.
Waypoint: Yes
Boss: Avarius, Reassembled
Quests: Death and Rebirth
Recipe Altar: Accuracy
It comes as no surprise that the Desecrated Chambers are also still the same. Go around the upper left part, make the turn down, and then go right to find a Recipe Altar and the Sanctum of Innocence a few rooms over. Here you have to fight Avarius again, who now deals heavy Physical Damage and casts beams into the arena that apply a Physical Damage over Time debuff. Defeat him to get The Staff of Purity and bring it to Bannon at the Oriath Docks to revive Innocence, who opens the Canals entrance in the Ravaged Square for you. Before you go there, prepare yourself for the final fight and finish the Merciless Labyrinth.
Waypoint: No
The Canals lead you through a few narrow passages, bridges and the occasional plaza within Oriath. The enemies here hit very hard and should be approached with caution. There are multiple ways to your destination, which is the Feeding Through in the upper left part.
Waypoint: No
Boss: Kitava, the Insatiable
Quests: An End to Hunger (2x Passive Skillpoints)
Recipe Altar: Life and Mana
Your way to the final boss continues across the Feeding Through. There's two lanes along the river with side paths on both sides if you want to kill a few more monsters before the final fight. Sin and Innocence wait at the end of the left path, along with a Recipe Altar and the entrance to the Altar of Hunger, the arena for the final fight of Act 10.
Inside waits Kitava, who has moved to a new, similar arena after the first encounter. The ground swipe and both AoE ground spells remain from the first fight, while the slam and debris throw are gone. Kitava has gained a few new abilities instead. It can sweep the ground with a laser, cover the arena with runes that detonate shortly after, place an orb that periodically targets the ground around it with lasers, and covers part of the arena with Fire. During the last phase this expands over the entire arena, where standing in the corner furthest away from the starting point keeps you safe.
Kitava goes into a new phase for every 20% Life lost, which spawns a few monsters into the arena. After the first, third and last phase, Kitava's Heart drops into the arena and becomes targetable. Enemies spawn during this heart phase, some of which can hit very hard. The heart can be destroyed after the last phase to finally defeat Kitava. Doing so applies another permanent -30% reduction to your Elemental and Chaos Resistances.
Sin opens up a portal to the Oriath Docks, where Lilly Roth lets you Set Sail from Oriath to finish Act 10.
Epilogue
Congratulations, you've beaten all acts and reached the Karui Shore! Helena awaits you here with a Recipe Altar close to her. Follow the path into the building and talk to Lani to receive two Passive Skillpoints. Now talk to Kirac to receive a map and use it in the Map Device nearby. Return to Kirac after completing it to unlock the atlas and your own map device that can be placed into your hideout. Check out our mapping guide to learn where to go from here.
The Karui Shores functions as the town for the endgame.
- Helena lets you choose your hideout.
- Lilly Roth sells all regular gems after finishing her quest in Act 6.
- Weylam Roth sells equipment and quality currency.
- Lani sells wands, jewelry, flasks and currency.
- Several other NPCs will appear after encountering them in the wild to introduce their mechanics and be invited to your hideout.
Credits
Written by Enki.
Reviewed by Raxxanterax & Tytykiller.